Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:8

What does Matthew 26:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:8 means

The disciples react with indignation, seeing the ointment as wasteful. Their response is practical and critical: they view the expensive perfume as squandered rather than honoring Jesus. Their indignation reflects misunderstanding of the moment’s spiritual significance and a misplaced concern for material stewardship. The disciples' rebuke reveals how even Jesus’ close followers can miss the deeper meaning of worshipful acts. The verse exposes human judgment shaped by utility rather than devotion, preparing Jesus’ defense of the woman’s action.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when the disciples saw it they were angry, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having seen <FI>it<Fi> , his disciples were much displeased, saying, `To what purpose <FI>is<Fi> this waste?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the disciples seeing it had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the disciples seeing it became indignant, saying, To what end [was] this waste?

Context

This complaint follows the woman’s anointing and reveals a contrast between devotion and calculation. It prepares the reader for Jesus’ corrective words that reframe the act as spiritual preparation rather than waste. The disciples’ reaction also foreshadows other misunderstandings that surface during Jesus’ passion, showing their limited grasp of his mission and the nature of worship.

v.7there came unto him a woman having an alabaster cruse of exceeding precious ointment, and she poured it upon his head, as he sat at meat.

v.8This passage

v.9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Exodus 5:17

    But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and sacrifice to Jehovah.

  • Amos 8:5

    saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;

  • Malachi 1:7

    Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar. And ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of Jehovah is contemptible.

  • Malachi 1:13

    Ye say also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith Jehovah of hosts; and ye have brought that which was taken by violence, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye bring the offering: should I accept this at your hand? saith Jehovah.

  • John 12:4

    But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,

  • Mark 14:4

    But there were some that had indignation among themselves, saying, To what purpose hath this waste of the ointment been made?

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